Connect With Us

Our family law attorneys have helped hundreds of families get through difficult times. Don't take our word for it, read testimonials from our past clients to get an idea of how we can help your family get through this difficult time.

“Molly and her staff supported me completely through a drawn out divorce. My ex and his lawyer did everything they could to bleed me dry and drag the proceedings out. Molly is extremely compassionate and professional. I highly recommend her.”

Molly is rated AV - the highest possible rating- by her peers through the Martindale and Hubble rating process and has been recognized as a Superb Family Law attorney and Client's Choice 2012 by Avvo.com.

Molly has also been named by Seattle Met Magazine as one of Seattle's top family law attorneys.

Tatyana received her B.S., cum laude from the University of Washington in 1999 and her J.D. from the University of Washington School of Law in 2002. Washington Law & Politics magazine has selected Tatyana as a "Rising Star" for four consecutive years, from 2009 through 2012. Tatyana practices in the areas of Family Law and Employment Law.

Stacey Smythe has over 24 years of experience in representing Northwest clients in cases ranging from divorce (amicable and high-conflict), modifications, child custody, paternity, child support and domestic violence. Additionally I have experience to provide counsel in drafting Wills, Complete Estate Planning consultation and Probate Administration.

It is not unusual for a Seattle parents to have joint legal custody of their children after a divorce. Even if one spouse has primary physical custody, a mediation agreement or court decision may provide both parents with shared parental decision making rights. This means that the big things such as education, religion, health care and other issues must be decided upon by both parents.

You May Be Right to Be Worried

While the situation for every divorcing couple is unique, there are many couples who have trouble agreeing on what is best for their children. This can make joint legal custody difficult. However, it is not impossible. In order to prevent problems, you might consider:

Following the terms of your agreement. Understand what you agree to at the time of your divorce and make sure that you can live with the terms of your agreement.

Establishing good communication practices with your child’s other parent. We know it can be difficult to put aside the hurt and anger you may feel toward your former spouse. However, it is important to figure out a way to communicate effectively when it comes to your kids.

Know when to get help. If the problems you are having with joint legal custody are negatively effecting your children then it is important to get help.

Things may change. You may be able to work out your differences or change the terms of your parenting plan and divorce agreement so that decisions can be made in the best interest of your child.

What Advice Would You Give?

Have you had problems with joint custody arrangements? How did you work them out? Please leave a comment on this blog with any tips that you might have for other parents facing this difficult situation.

Molly B. Kenny's Bellevue family law office is conveniently located on Lake Bellevue Drive, making it easily accessible to those in the greater Seattle area. Our divorce and child custody lawyers help men and women get the information, guidance, and compassionate representation they need.